Several years ago when the late Bishop McLee first met with clergy of the New York Annual Conference, he shared communion with us. On the table were a variety of breads: of different shapes, sizes, types, such as pumpernickel, rye, sourdough, pita, gluten free wafers, braided, circular, rectangular loaves. Bishop McLee spoke of the varieties of theology and life experiences and gifts and talents and identities of members of the Body of Christ.

Similarly, this image of the diversity of breads can remind us of the diverse spiritualities and religions of this world. Each has a different texture, flavor, taste, but together we seek an experience of truth and meaning and the divine. The table is more interesting because there are varieties of bread, and since bread is also a symbol in the Holy Bible for Wisdom, we are reminded that Wisdom takes many forms that nourish.  This is another reason why here at Mamaroneck UMC, we practice an open communion table.